A Point Earned with Character
- Simon Basten
- Jan 10, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 19
Game 16, Serie A
Sunday, January 10, 1965
Stadio Comunale, Bergamo
Atalanta Lazio 1-1
Lazio hold Atalanta to a 1–1 draw despite adversity
It had not been a good season so far. Lazio were 14th with Genoa on 12 points, two points above the relegation zone. Today they had to play against Atalanta, it was important to bring back at least a point.
The match
Lazio earned a valuable point away from home as they drew 1–1 with Atalanta at the Brumana Stadium, extending their unbeaten run at the Bergamo ground to eleven years. In a match marked by defensive errors, disciplinary issues, and moments of drama, the result ultimately reflected the balance of play.
Atalanta started brightly, pressing Lazio from the opening minutes and creating early danger. In the 8th minute, Luigi Milan tested goalkeeper Idilio Cei after following up a rebound, but the Lazio keeper responded with an excellent save. The hosts were rewarded in the 16th minute when a serious lapse by Vincenzo Gasperi handed them the lead: Bruno Bolchi’s free kick drifted through the area, Gasperi unexpectedly left it for Cei, and the goalkeeper—caught by surprise—could not prevent the ball from crossing the line.
Lazio reacted positively and gradually grew into the match. After an unsuccessful attempt by Paolo Carosi, the equaliser arrived in the 27th minute, again courtesy of a defensive blunder. Bolchi’s back-pass to Pierluigi Pizzaballa was poorly weighted, allowing Carlo Galli to intercept and calmly slot home from close range.
The visitors improved further following tactical adjustments in midfield, with Alberto Mari posing a threat before the break. The first half ended with tension rising after a rough challenge on Mario Mereghetti earned Carosi a yellow card.
Early in the second half, Cei was again decisive, producing a fine save from Mereghetti. However, Lazio’s task became more difficult in the 60th minute when Carosi received a second caution and was sent off. Just four minutes later, an elbow on Vito D’Amato forced the young Lazio forward off injured, leaving the visitors severely depleted.
Despite being reduced in numbers, Lazio showed resilience. Galli dropped deeper to support the defence, and while Atalanta pushed forward, they struggled to create clear chances. Lazio, in fact, looked more dangerous on the counter, with full-backs Pietro Dotti and Diego Zanetti both going close in the final stages.
Atalanta came extremely close to a late winner in the 82nd minute when Franco Nodari unleashed a powerful strike that crashed against the post. It proved to be the final major chance of the match.
The game ended in a draw that fairly reflected the overall performance of both sides: Atalanta energetic but wasteful, Lazio disciplined and determined in adversity.
Who played for Atalanta
Pizzaballa, Pesenti, Nodari, Bolchi, Gardoni, Colombo, Magistrelli, Landoni, Petroni, Milan, Mereghetti
Manager: Valcareggi
Who played for Lazio
Manager: Mannocci
Referee: De Marchi
Goals: 16’ Bolchi, 27’ Galli
Sources
Comments